If you know me, you know I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan, so when I was told Diagon Alley was going to be part of the FAM trip, I was ecstatic. I mean like a kid on Christmas ecstatic. I have never tired of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so I knew this was going to have some high expectations from me. It did not disappoint. I felt as if I had stepped into the movie scenes!
The first thing I will touch on, because it was AWESOME, is Harry Potter and The Escape From Gringotts. This ride is like no other ride that I have ever been on. You will go against Voldemore and his death eaters as they chase you through the underground of Gringotts. They are trying to protect the horcrux and your life!
As you arrive, you see the the fierce Ukrainian Ironbelly Dragon which protects the bank. At random moments through the day, you will even get to see him spew fire I am told, unfortunately, we did not get to see that. You will then walk through the bank that is amazing! With Goblin Tellers, be on the up and up, because there will be no stealing! Finally you will go nine miles underground, come into contact with characters from the books, and finally go on your adventure. Be warned, this is a popular attraction and fast passes are not available so be prepared to wait in long lines up to several hours.
One of our favorite new things, is the ability to do magic. With new wands, there are certain areas in the park, that you can show off your magical skills. Make water magically spring from a fountain, repair a broken knight, make shrunken heads stop singing, and so much more. My kids loved that they could perform spells! See them in action in the video at the bottom of the post!
Harry Potter fans can nosh on goodies at The Leaky Cauldron just like the witches and wizards do in the movie and books. I got both fish and chips and bangers and mash, both were delicious! We followed lunch with butterbeer ice cream from the Florean Fortescue Ice Cream Parlour. This is the only place in the world, you can get authentic butterbeer ice cream. Both are definitely must stops during your Diagon Alley adventure.
For those who want to venture down a darker area, Knockturn Alley is part of the adventure. Head into Borgin and Burkes for some shopping, don’t worry it’s not all dark arts items! Knockturn Alley is dark, cold, and definitely on the creepy side, but not so scary that my kids (9,11, 14) didn’t want to go back several times. It was also great for getting out of the heat and much less crowded than other sections of the Diagon Alley area.
We also checked out the Madame Maulkins robe shop. Get ready for the new school year with new robes. They even have a fun mirror that will tell you if you are dressed to the nines or need a little help!
Another big attraction, is the Hogwarts Express. This goes between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, to ride, you will need to have the two park pass. As you ride from one Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade you will get to see scenes in the windows of the train and even favorite (and not so favorite) characters from the book pass outside your compartment door. We truly felt as if we were immersed in the train ride with Harry and his friends. There is a different scene depending on the way you are going, so make sure to take it both ways! You can even go through the “brick wall” like Harry does (another thing I was sad not to have the chance to do, but will next time)
Diagon Alley has so much more to offer. Stop in Weasleys Wizarding Whezees and pick up some good gag products, let your want choose you in Ollivanders, or head into Quality Quidditch Supplies to get the latest in brooms for that big game. Don’t forget to stop into the Magical Menagerie for those furry friends and Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment for all those Wizarding necessities. Stop by 13 Grimmauld Place and catch Kreatcher as he peeks out the window (in video below)
We had such a great time and can’t wait to go back. We will definitely be heading back to visit Diagon Alley in the future! Check out my video below to get a bit more glimpse into the new Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando
Toni Patton
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I just loved seeing this. Can’t wait to go!!!!